Student councils in the Socorro Independent School District earned top awards in spring 2023 from the National Student Council and the Texas Association of Student Councils.
El Dorado, Mission Early College, Montwood, and Pebble Hills high schools’ student councils received the National Gold Council of Excellence from the National Student Council for their efforts to improve their schools and communities through their leadership and service.
"Being awarded the National Gold Council of Excellence recognition has been humbling and empowering for my scholars and myself,” said El Dorado High School student activities director Jacob Ramirez. “The student council has continued to thrive beyond my own expectations and their service, leadership, and dedication to the El Dorado community is awe-inspiring.”
The student councils were awarded for members demonstrating strong leadership skills, operating ethically and responsibly, and engaging in spirit, civic, and service activities.
Four other student councils earned the middle-level Texas Association of Student Councils Outstanding Student Council and Sweepstakes awards.
Bill Sybert School, William D. Slider Middle School, Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary and Helen Ball Elementaries earned the statewide award that recognizes the mission of Texas student councils to impact the students of today by creating the leaders of tomorrow.
The councils are developing and preparing members to be active, positive citizens, and providing authentic learning opportunities to produce students that are college and career ready.
Cristina Duarte, a counselor at Dr. Sue A. Shook and student council sponsor, said her student council members’ hard work and dedication were key factors in the group earing the recognition.
“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of STUCO,” Duarte said. “Our organization worked hard on all of the projects that were presented to the state. These projects not only impacted our school but made an imprint on what teamwork can do.”
These student councils were among only six student councils in the El Paso area that were honored with the middle-level TASC award.
The two elementary groups were among only five elementary schools in the state to earn the award.
Americas High School student council also earned 2023 Top Ten Project and Top Ten Video awards from TASC.
The statewide recognition highlights talented student council students who submit themed video entries. This year’s theme was “Lead with Heart” and winning videos are selected based on a handful of criteria, including creativity, visual aesthetics, editing, and more.
Americas was one of 10 high school recipients selected from a pool of almost 1200 schools to earn the esteemed honor. It was the second year in a row that the Trailblazers earned both awards.
“Americas student council members and officers are honored and excited to be recognized with these awards,” said Americas student council director Lorraine Varela.
The Trailblazers student council was recognized for their accomplishment at the TASC High School annual conference in Irving, Texas.